Archive for May, 2011

Community and public artist Laurel True will be offering a lecture/ presentation entitled, The Power of Art: Building Creative Capital Through Community Mosaics, at Ciel Gallery and Studio, located at 1519 Camden Road in Charlotte, NC, on Friday, June 10, 2011, from 6-8pm. The entry fee is $10 + donation. The public is welcome, pre-registration is required.

Children working on “The Fisherman’s Tale”, Numgua, Ghana

During this inspiring presentation, longtime community mosaic artist Laurel True will present images of numerous community mosaic projects she has facilitated nationally and internationally over the last 18 years in the US, Kenya, Ghana and Haiti. This first-time offered lecture / presentation showcases the power of art and how community mosaics can transform lives and the environments in which they are sited.

Project documentation from a variety of projects will highlight both the community process and resulting public projects. True’s process working with community ranges from renegade street art to organized programming through schools and community centers. She partners with non-profit and community organizations to develop unique projects that reflect the individuals who create them as well as the communities that surround them.

Laurel True working with youth, ACFFC, Jacmel, Haiti

Through community supported fundraising, True has been able to teach and train hundreds of project participants including youth, adults, trades people and teachers in mosaic techniques. Her efforts have brought arts education and entrepreneurial training to underserved communities in urban and developing areas. These projects foster creative expression, teamwork, neighborhood beautification and community development through public, permanent, community based art.

True will talk about the short and long-term effects of projects in public spaces, parks, hospitals and schools and share her development plans for her upcoming projects in partnership with Partners In Health for a new hospital in Mirebalais, Haiti, which will bring mosaic public art to the hospital as well as training Haitian trades people in architectural mosaic making techniques.

This is a fundraiser for the Mosaic Artwork Fund for Mirebalais Hospital, Haiti. This hospital is being built by Partners in Health and will bring much needed healthcare to Haiti’s central region.

Laurel True is a public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in large-scale and site- specific mosaic projects. Her projects are focused mainly in urban and developing areas and she is committed to fostering arts education and entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. True is co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has lectured and taught internationally. Her work has been featured in independent and mainstream media, books and publications. She has created and facilitated over a hundred projects over the last 20 years. She is a member of the Community Built Association, the Society of American Mosaic Artists, Americans for the Arts and the National Art Education Association.

For further information contact Pamela Goode by calling 704/577-1254 or e-mail to (pam@cielcharlotte.com).

When items are sent to us near our deadline for the paper – we put it aside and work on the paper. When we finish the paper – we get back to work on putting out these news items. That’s why it is always important to send us items early. The first weekend of this event has unfortunately gone by.

Spoleto Soleil is an exciting series of art inspired events including sculpture, glass blowing and painting demonstrations, lectures, digital presentations and a variety of other interactive events that will be held daily on Gallery Row on Broad Street in Charleston, SC, beginning May 27 and continuing through June 12, 2011, to complement the fabulous ticketed festival events of Spoleto USA. Receptions to meet featured artists will be held from 4-7pm in a variety of galleries on Gallery Row as well.

The inspiration for Spoleto Soleil: to provide to visitors to Charleston during Spoleto a sampling of not only the wonderful local artists that are here in Charleston showing their work year round, but also the national and internationally known visual artists that are represented here. We are offering educational, interactive events that art lovers will find intriguing.

Listing of Events on Gallery Row on Historic Broad Street
All events are 4 to 7pm unless otherwise listed.

The Aiken Artist Guild’s 2011 Member Show was a spectacular success. With over 100 pieces by more than 70 artists the entire gallery walls of the Aiken Center for the Arts were filled with talent and creativity. The opening reception on Thursday, May 19, 2011, was well attended and special guest SC Representative Bill Taylor was present to announce the winning entries. This year’s show featured new categories and more cash prizes and ribbons than ever before.

The 2011 Member Show was in memory of Chung Gong, a former member and well known artist. Gong’s wife, JoShan, donated a cash prize for a Members Choice Award.

In addition to prizes in each category, the Phil Permar Best of Show and the William B. Colgate Aiken Scene Award were presented. The show will continue through June 17, 2011, at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St. S W, in downtown Aiken, SC.

On Saturday June 18, 2011, from 1-5pm, the artist’s of Redux will open their curtains to the public. This bi-annual event celebrates the diversity and vitality of the visual arts at Redux. Come see 30 artists in their working environment and gain insight about their technique and process.

Redux is home to Charleston’s most creative artists. Each artist at Redux concentrates on developing a personal artistic vision. Redux’s exhibition program and events program makes for a resourceful location that has a supportive atmosphere where studio renters are constantly exposed to visiting artists, artist lectures and most importantly the ideas of their neighbors. This results in a creative momentum for everyone.

This event offers a unique opportunity to experience artists at work in their own studios. Visitors can look at art, talk with artists, and learn about new techniques, all in an open-house, informal environment. While you enjoy the variety and quality of the artwork, you will be supporting art, artists, and a valuable tradition in the city.

There is, of course, no charge to the public, and aspiring artists of all ages are especially welcome!

Redux Contemporary Art Center is a nonprofit organization committed to the fostering of creativity and the cultivation of contemporary art through diverse exhibitions, subsidized studio space for artists, expansive educational programming, and a multidisciplinary approach to the dialogue between artists and audience. Housed within a 6,000 square foot warehouse are two galleries, fifteen private artist studios, print shop, darkroom, woodshop, classroom, and film-screening area. Redux is committed to showing artwork by national and international artists, supporting local artists, and enriching the Charleston community by offering adult and youth education programs. As the only arts organization in Charleston providing these much needed opportunities, Redux maintains an ambitious schedule of exhibition, outreach, and studio programs to accomplish our goals.

The streets of downtown Tryon, NC, will come alive once again at the second Tryon Gallery Trot on Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 5-8pm. This month there will be 8 participating galleries, shops and businesses featuring artwork and refreshments.

The Upstairs Artspace will be opening a new show, Flood and The Pump: Galleries With Attitude. This exhibit presents 15 artists from the Flood Fine Arts Center, an Asheville, NC, institution that is well known for showcasing exciting, thought-provoking art. In addition, 20 artists with working studios at the Flood will be offering examples of their work.

Tryon Painters and Sculptors, located in Gallery One in the mid-level of the Tryon Fine Arts Center on Melrose Ave. is showing the work of Richard Baker. Baker’s oil paintings depict the architecture and landscapes of this area.

Kathleen’s Gallery will be featuring the “Small Wonders” of photographer Elaine Pearsons. Her new work is enhanced by a glaze of colorful glitter. Asheville poet and photographer, Tracey Schmidt will show giclee prints from her new book of poetry.

Vines and Stuff in the Shops of Tryon will be open late showcasing their wide variety of gifts for all ages including hand made pottery.

Just across the street Skyuka Fine Art will be opening, Landscapes of the Carolinas, dedicated to the art of the landscape. Much of the work will be of the Tryon area, its’ surrounding mountains as well as low country, marsh and coastal landscapes in a variety of techniques and mediums. New artists to the gallery will be represented in this exhibit as well as historical ones.

Next door to Skyuka, Green River Gallery joins in the trot offering a wide selection of paintings and prints from their collection.

Just down from Green River Gallery, Richard Baker Studio will host late hours with a special touch; Baker will be demonstrating how he captures the beautiful properties of water that he is so well known for. Baker has also taken on some new local artists who will have their work on display and be on site as well.

This, the second Tryon Gallery Trot, is sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association. Look for maps in participating galleries and shops to guide you along on your own “Trot”.

Celebrate Appalachian history on June 11, 2011, from 10am-5pm, in downtown Waynesville, NC. In the interest of protecting, preserving and developing historical and cultural resources, the Downtown Waynesville Association introduces a heritage-themed event, providing educational and entertainment opportunities for guests of all ages, where traditional crafts are demonstrated and offered for sale. Two stages will feature live entertainment throughout the day.

Four-time Grammy award-winner David Holt, and rising acoustic music star and Grammy nominee, Josh Goforth join together to bring to life the joy and spirit of old time mountain music and stories. Holt and Goforth combine the virtuosic sounds of guitar, banjo, fiddle, slide guitar, mandolin, and a world of exciting rhythm instruments from hambone (body slapping) rhythms, to spoons, stump-fiddle, rhythm bones, jaw harp, and even paper bag. It is a program of songs, stories and outstanding musicianship that will appeal to all ages.

Michael Reno Harrell is an award-winning songwriter as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer and is from the Appalachian Mountains.

The Hominy Valley Boys and the Hill Country Band, along with other favorites will have music lovers tapping their toes to the music of banjos, fiddles and dulcimers while three clogging groups perform. Don’t miss the experience of seeing each of these artists perform; faithful fans continue to come back again and again.

Former NC state senator Joe Sam Queen will officially lead a square dance at 12:30pm at the center stage inviting the crowd to join.

This new downtown festival offers fun for the entire family. Local residents, heritage lovers, and tourists seeking an authentic Appalachian experience will enjoy the day. By Waynesville town ordinance NO animals allowed at downtown events.

For further info contact Buffy Phillips at the Downtown Waynesville Association by calling 828/456-3517 or e-mail to (downtownwaynesville@charter.net).

The Andre Christine Gallery/Sculpture Garden in Mooresville, NC, is offering an opportunity for artists, potters, or multi-medium artisans to rent space.

We now have two studio’s available for rent, which can be used for demonstrations, meetings, and or workshops. Artists can design their own schedule.

Space #1 – 800 sq. foot studio with tables and chairs. Bathroom, sinks, and easy access parking, all on the ground floor. Ideal for rent by the day, week, or month. Artists can have up to 10-15 students. We are renting this space for $40 a day.

Space #2 – 1100 sq. foot studio with excellent lighting, ground floor no steps. New bathroom and large sink, this is ideal for potters, up to three may share space, or small wood turners shop. Prefer to rent this space monthly at $900. Electricity may be included depending on type of studio usage. Ideal for the resident artist that does not want to move supplies or tie up home space.

The Andre Christine Gallery/Sculpture Garden is located at 148 Ervin Road in Mooresville, NC.

For further info call Lynne at 704/664-1164 from Tues.-Sat. between 10am-5pm or call Dana’s cell at 704/775-9517.

The Rockingham County Justice Center Artwork Committee and the Rockingham County Arts Council are pleased to announce a Call for Artists requesting completed artwork, as well as proposals to create artworks, by Rockingham County artists, or artists that have a direct link to Rockingham County, for a permanent exhibit in the new Justice Center in Wentworth, NC.

Photographer and digital montage artist Stephen Marc will host a discussion and tour of his current Gibbes Museum of Art exhibition Stephen Marc: Passage on the Underground Railroad on May 27, 2011, at 11am. Marc will discuss his process and inspiration for this exhibition that explores the history of freedom-seekers on the Underground Railroad. The Artist Talk/Tour is free with admission to the museum.

Organized by the University at Buffalo Art Galleries, Buffalo, New York, Stephen Marc: Passage on the Underground Railroad is on view in the Main Gallery through July 10, 2011. The exhibition opened in April, timed to coincide with the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Since 2000, Marc has taken thousands of photographs of more than 100 historic sites in over thirty states and in Canada. With this body of work, Marc combines contemporary images with historic documents and artifacts to create richly-layered objects that bring the past palpably into the present.

Stephen Marc: Passage on the Underground Railroad is comprised of two series: Underground Railroad sites and montages. In the sites series, Marc has documented the individual Underground Railroad locations with photographs taken inside and outside historical structures as well as the surrounding landscape. In the montage series, he marries the landscape to slavery through the use of plantation sites, primary source documents, and other remnants of slavery from diverse sources – many of them collected by the artist – and combines these with pertinent modern cultural references. Woven together digitally, the final images create narratives that generate insightful juxtapositions that help to tell the story of important sites plus the experiences that were occurring during and after the Civil War.

“Stephen is a fascinating artist and we are thrilled that he is able to join us in Charleston to shed some light on his working process and final product. He is full of great stories – this is a talk you don’t want to miss,” said Gibbes Curator of Exhibitions Pam Wall.

Stephen Marc received his BA from Pomona College in 1976 and his MFA from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 1978. He resides in Tempe, AZ, where he is a Professor of Art at Arizona State University. Marc’s work has been featured in many exhibitions including the 2008 Gibbes exhibition Landscape of Slavery: The Plantation in American Art. In 2009, Marc received the Factor Prize for Southern Art presented by the Gibbes Museum of Art.

The publication Stephen Marc: Passage on the Underground Railroad was released by the artist in conjunction with the University Press of Mississippi. For this exhibition and publication, Marc has received ongoing support from Olympus Imaging America Inc., as well as from the National Park Service as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. The Gibbes exhibition is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Charleston magazine.

Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1905. Located in Charleston’s historic district, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works, principally American with a Charleston or Southern connection, and presents special exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, the museum offers an extensive complement of public programming and educational outreach initiatives that serve the community by stimulating creative expression and improving the region’s superb quality of life.